CHARCOAL 101 with Kristone Capistrano
Supplied by Erin Assur for The Western
When I put my hand up to attend a charcoal workshop, I was expecting to watch someone set fire to a bucket with black rocks in it. To my pleasant surprise, I walked into a class learning about how to use charcoal to make portraits in a way similar to that of pastels.
Since October, Blacktown Arts has had the pleasure of hosting charcoal artist Kristone Capistrano to teach a few classes. The Western caught up with Kristone after one to find out more about the art and the man behind the faces.
The art of charcoal drawing was only introduced to Kristone while he was attending St Marys Senior High School. ‘We used charcoal for our final Year 12 project for visual arts’ he told The Western. It was through that project which he claims his art teacher at the time, Sharon Lang, changed his life.
Although Kristone’s work does not solely consist of portraiture, it is the prominent subject of his art, particularly newborns as of late - so we asked, why? ‘It’s the most powerful thing you can draw because it responds back to you with their gaze’ he said.
Like any good teacher would do, he hesitated with the answer of who the best portrait of the class belonged to, but he did share with us the reward he gets out of what he does.
‘It’s always fun when you see them surprise themselves’.
Supplied by Erin Assur for The Western
The Fisher Ghost Award, Blacktown City Art Prize winner and casual primary teacher has been working on some exciting projects. Kristone is also currently working towards returning to New York, where he previously lived and worked, and is one of the places where he says he is most inspired.
A few of the hot tips we took away from the class were:
A small directional change makes a huge difference.
Sandpaper is a secret weapon
Shading is just like a Mariah Carey song - referring to her range in tone when she sings.
Check out Kristone’s process of making a self-portrait in 24 hours below!
As part of Blacktown Arts Summer Workshop program, Kristone will be hosting a two day HSC Studio Visual Art Intensive on the 23rd and 24th of January. Kristone will lead demonstrations and discussions where students are challenged to dig deeper in expressing and interpreting themselves through their own and others work. This workshop allows you to critically reflect and work on some practical skills that will deem useful to their artistic journey. Bookings are essential click on this link to secure your spot!
